49ers miss Christian McCaffrey more than they admit (and here's why)

The San Francisco 49ers started out the season 5-0 last year and looked like the NFC juggernaut we expected them to be.

This year, they are struggling and are reeling a bit after beginning the season 1-1, highlighted by an offensively frustrating Week 2 road loss against the Minnesota Vikings.

Sunday's loss at Minnesota showed the league the Niners are mortal and can bleed. Running back Christian McCaffrey did not suit up again as there is no immediate timetable for his return while he recovers from calf and Achilles injuries.

The leading rusher in 2023, McCaffrey was also a viable option downfield for quarterback Brock Purdy. The eight-year veteran not only recorded 14 rushing touchdowns last year, but he also tallied seven more by air.

As solid of a job as No. 2 tailback Jordan Mason is doing filling in for the All-Pro rusher, the third-year talent has already had more carries and accumulated more rushing yards this year in just two games compared to all of last season.

McCaffrey is a dual-threat back. He tallied more than 1,400 rushing yards while averaging 17 carries a game. Mason is averaging 24 per game despite averaging over 100 yards per contest.

Purdy has not connected with Mason the same way he has with McCaffrey. The 49ers only have thrown to Mason twice this year, and neither pass completion was for more than 5 yards.

Mason is just beginning to get comfortable with his increased workload. But the expectation to replace McCaffrey may not be fair.

Related story: Latest injury news on Christian McCaffrey is absolutely dreadful

There were five games last season in which McCaffrey had multiple touchdowns, whether it be by air or on the ground. Mason has yet to accomplish this feat.

McCaffrey averaged more than 125 total yards a game. Mason is on pace to match that production, but he lacks the credibility thus far. Opposing defenses do not fear Mason like they do McCaffrey which has hurt San Francisco on offense.

Sure, the 49ers are stacked with receivers who can move the chains. Jauan Jennings and Brandon Aiyuk are in San Francisco's plans for the long term with their contract extensions. But McCaffrey is missed, and the team's fourth consecutive NFC Championship game appearance could hang in the balance until his return.

It's anyone's guess when that'll be.

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